So often when asked where visitors to Cape Town should dine, I hit a complete blank. This could be because we are so spoilt for choice, as far as great restaurants go, that I sometimes do not even know where to start. I have therefore decided to list just a few of my favourites, this means that the next time I am asked I can refer back to my own list instead of panicking and coming up sans answer. I hope it helps you too if you are stuck and feel like dining out but can’t decide as to where you should eat.
I’ve decided to categorise these restaurant choices, it may just make it a bit easier to make a decision as to which one you’ll pick, depending on the type of cuisine or atmosphere you are wanting to experience.
Fine Dining:
The Tasting room at Le Quartier Francais – Franschoek
Multi award winning chef Margot Janse is at the helm of the kitchen. Stories are told through her plates of contemporary African inspired food. An eating experience at The Tasting room is quite an emotional experience as diners experience a journey of taste that ‘wows’ with every bite.
Casual Fine Dining:
La Mouette – Seapoint
Chef Henry Vigar has been working in kitchens since the age of 14. He along with his wife, Mari Vigar and business partner, Gerrit Bruwer opened LaMouette in May 2010, and there has been no looking back since. You can order of either a tasting menu or go the a’ la carte route, but no matter which you decide you will not be disappointed, in fact you’ll probably be amazed at the detail and number of components Chef manages to get onto the plate, and each one sublime. One of my favourite times to dine, in summer, so that I can grab a seat next to the fountain in the gorgeous front courtyard, but that being said, the bar and room upstairs is perfect for functions, so consider them for your next event.
Casual A’ la carte’:
La Boheme – Seapoint
Cosy, warm and welcoming, serving generous portions of food all at an affordable price. Chefs use only the freshest ingredients and the menu changes according to what produce is available. Great for a gathering of family and friends but also a lovely little spot for date night. It is also a wine bar, so no shortage of a selection of the cape’s finest wines.
Wine Farm dining:
With so many wine farms having an attached restaurant it really is incredibly difficult to choose one, so I didn’t, I chose two…but there are many many more, I haven’t even eaten my way through all of them yet, but for now I have to go with Waterkloof and Maison.
Waterkloof – the kitchen is run under the hand of the incredibly hard working and dedicated Chef Gregory Czarnecki. Plates are inventive, well thought out and detailed. Interesting ingredients are paired together to create plates which look like works of art. The setting is also spectacular. Perched high up in a glass box jutting out of a concrete structure is really something special when you have the views of Somerset West and Gordons Bay below you, and the lights at night add to the magical dining experience you are sure to have.
Maison – this has always been one of my favourite wine estates, mainly because I have always adored both the Chenin and Shiraz so much, and now that I can enjoy food there too, it’s a no brainer that I will return time after time. The setting is also quite magnificent, a rolling green lawn out back that is edged with vineyard. Plates of food are carefully constructed and flavours are bold and beautiful and are put together witha simple selection of only the freshest ingredients. The food is unpretentious and a daily harvest of eggs, fruit and veg comes off the farm itself. A food experience when once experienced won’t soon be forgotten.
Wine farm casual/bistro:
Neil Jewel, the charcuterie master ensures that produce is carefully selected, fresh, and oh so delicious. I always hesitate to use the word rustic when describing food, but here I think it suits. There is a rustic honest elegance to what is served. I guess because it’s all about sharing under the trees whilst indulging in a glass of Miss Molly bubbly. Charcuterie, cheese and gorgeous breads sum up what for me is happiness on a plate.
Italian:
Il Leone situated in Greenpoint is one of my all time favourite spots. Great service, great venue and even better food. Ingredients are simple but put together in such a way that all of the flavours in each dish are perfectly balanced and well cooked resulting in spectacular meals. I’d recommend their signature green salad with imported mozzarella di bufala to start and then indulge in the Tagliatelle Pescatore, one of the best meals I have ever eaten, which is a bold statement…
French Inspired:
Frere’s Bistro at the foreshore in Cape Town takes me back to my time spent in France some years ago. It’s quaint and cosy and exudes a certain charm typical of a French style bistro.
The food is lovingly prepared under the hand of Chef Jason Whitehead. Plates are beautifully constructed with a respect for each ingredient that always ensures a memorable dining experience. As an ambassador for Coniglio meats Jason often experiments with different rabbit dishes, which are as exquisite to behold as they are to eat.
Asian/Pan Pacific:
Cheyne’s in Hout Bay has to be one of my favourite restaurants in Cape Town. I love the cuisine as much as I admire and respect all of the hard work and passion that Cheyne puts into creating his menus. Served tapa or sharing style, it is a great place to dine at as you can try multiple dishes each time, which is what I always do. The balance of flavour he manages to get on each plate always astounds me, and each dish is inspired and inspiring.
Best for burgers:
I adore Gibsons at the V&A waterfront. Now whilst I am quite a purest when it comes to food and I like the simple things to be kept simple, this is where I sometimes let my hair down and go opposite to the “less is more” theory. The combinations of ingredients are just to good to resist as is the sweet potato fries. If you feel like a burger you have to try it out, and there is nothing wrong with a two for one special on a Monday evening either.
Meat and steaks:
The Hussar Grill in Stellenbosch is very special to me. It holds many great dining memories of enjoying fillet on the bone or a portion of warthog ribs. The basting is as good as the meat, as is the fact that I have always had my meat cooked as per request, which very seldom happens; but it’s not only the meat that is good, to start, do yourself a favour and enjoy the whole baked camembert with cranberry jelly and melba toast. Pure bliss!
